It has always been a struggle for me to cut some excess weight or live a healthy lifestyle. Since I am still young, I have this ideology that it is ok to eat anything and just enjoy life to the fullest, which later proved me wrong.

BEFORE Transformation:

*My picture at NY while still weighing 163 pounds with 39.5 inches of waistline

I did not notice the change on my appearance at the beginning but I have increased so much that it is not proportional anymore to my height and age. My cholesterol level was as high as 299 at the age of 19. As time passes by, it is not only my physical appearance that deteriorates but my emotional and social well-being has been affected as well. My self-confidence is at is lowest as it has been a normal comment for my colleagues that I am too fat. It's hard for me to accept at the start but I later realized the truth and decided to start acting on it.

BEFORE Transformation:

*My last pic as unhealthy before the start of the challenge

Fortunately, our company sponsored a challenge for employees not merely to lose weight but to be physically fit in several aspects (e.g. running, push-ups, sit-ups, BMI, etc.). I joined the contest just taking my chances as there might be free activities that I can be invited. What I do not know is that this can help change my life forever.

Given my competitive spirit, I decided to focus and to challenge myself to the limits. Some of my friends and family members thought that I could not make it and they even persuaded me to stop. However, this only decided me to pursue further as I want to prove them wrong. Luckily at the end of 2-month period, I emerged as the champion with a FQ (Fitness Quotient) score increase of 126% percent. In that small period of time I was able to lose 30 pounds of weight, decrease my waistline by 7 inches (from 39 inches to 32 inches) and even completed 1-km treadmill run in less than 5 minutes. I'm also happy as I've become inspiration for some of my colleagues to change for the better.

(Photo of me while receiving the FQ Champion award with our company leaders)

At the end of this, I realized that I didn't just beat the other competitors but more importantly I bested the doubts and fear that I have inside. Now, I continue the habit as I also helped changed the life of others. I also enabled the people around me to experience and reap the same benefits that I have achieved. As one of my colleague say, "We should be less cute but more sexy, less huggable but more durable and live a healthy life".

AFTER Transformation:

*Me joining on several fun run to maintain my figure

But wait there's more...

My weight loss is not just a change that happened in my life. As I become more inspired to be a better person, I tried also to further improve myself for the better. During this year, I also tried to introduce several innovations on my work, which has been recognized globally and was recognized by our company.

This year has also been a challenging year for me with the loss of my inspiration...my grandfather. He has always been proud of my achievements even when I was a kid. He is very proud every time I was sent out by my company for business trip. He has been my source of inspiration all these years but unfortunately he already joined our Heavenly Father. The loss of my lolo might be a major blow for me but I know he would want me to become more mature, braver and tougher to handle the grueling challenges of life. He has also been my inspiration to become a better person inside and be a change for others in need. To be a positive change for others is one of the great things that happened to me this year as well.

*Picture of me as a volunteer for Ondoy victims @ Whitespace

I know the transformations in my life does not end here. The only constant on this world is "change". I am very excited to further change for the better. I know there are people and things around me that could help achieve these goals. Just like GlutaMAX, it has been a very helpful tool for a lot of fair-toned individuals to show their inner brightness.

*Picture of me while purchasing a GlutaMAX soap at a leading Department store

On my first try, I can already see the difference on my skin. I don't have to measure it just to prove it. My naked eye can already justify the difference and I am very excited to see the full potential of the product. I know my family and friends would also be excited to try this product soon.

Now I can truly say that the "New Me" is born...healthier, lighter, more optimistic, more innovative, stronger and getting better all the time. These might not be captured on the pictures above but one things is for sure...it is felt and seen by the people around me. :)

Try to close your eyes and imagine you are walking in an island with breath-taking view of the shore being refreshed by the crystalline agua of nature. Each step that you take, you are being caressed by the white powdery sands while being serenaded by the music of the sea. After the long walk, you will stay in a magnificent and yet comfortable room full with amenities and thinking of the good times. You may think it is just something our brains can imagine but now you can experience it in our own country...at 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel.

*Photo courtesy of 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel website

If you are looking for a hotel in boracay, then you should just remember one name... 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel. This resort hotel is situated in the heart of Boracay island, which can easily be travelled from Manila in less than an hour. One can easily escape the busy and stressful metropolis and experience paradise on this hotel.

*Photo courtesy of 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel website

7Stones Boracay Suties Resort Hotel is really your "luxury home in tropical paradise" as it has several rooms to choose from. They are even acclaimed as the newest and most spacious Boracay beach resort in the Philippines. This botique hotel in Boracay has a wide array of furnished apartments and rooms that can fit any group of people. Even if you are just alone taking a break or a couple who want to spend their romatic honeymoon or even group of friend/family who wants to experience paradise, they can choose from the Superior room, Junior suite, Deluxe suite, Grand deluxe suite and Family suite rooms of7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel.

*Photo courtesy of 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel website

You can experience this grand and royal experience at 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel for as low as $126.00++, which includes welcome drinks, set breakfast and mineral water. 7Stones Boracay Suites also includes services and facilities such as lagoon swimming pool, jacuzzi, hi speed wireless internet access, and 24 hour security.

*Photo courtesy of 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel website

If you have adrenaline rush and seeking further adventure, you can easily experience such in 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel. You can choose from several activities like kiteboarding, windsurfing, horse riding, parasailing, kayaking.

I know you are now very eager to experience this paradise in earth. You don't have to hesitate as7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotelis professionally managed by the highly known Fuego Hotels & Properties, which is also known for bringing to us Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Davao and Club Punta Fuego in Batangas. One thing that further makes 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel the perfect choice is their "Green Initiatives", wherein they make conscious effort to also protect the gifts of nature while letting us experience the paradise of it.

*Photo courtesy of 7Stones Boracay Suites Resort Hotel website

If you have further inquiry and also to make reservations, you may reach them using the contact details below:

While scanning on my facebook I saw an update from my friend that GoNuts Donuts is giving away FREE ice cream tub (this normally costs Php 185 -Php 215) by just simply being one of the first 2,000 fans of their Facebook fan page. For those who will not make it to the first 2,000 list, they are giving away FREE double scoop ice cream (costs Php 100 - Php 135) for the next 1,000 fans.

*Photo taken from the GoNuts Donuts Facebook fan page

I have seen great review from Anton Diaz's blog and have been waiting for this moment to come. Some of their flavors includes Strawberry, Choco Hazelnut, Pistachio, Ito's Macadamia, Ozark Black Walnut, New York! New York!, Belgian Chocolate, French Vanilla, Cafe Mocha, Pastillas De Leche, Bubblegum and Rocky Road. I hope I can choose the flavor of the ice cream that they will give for free (yum-yum).

Fun Fact: I read from Anton's blog that the owners of Go Nuts Donuts in the Philippines are the makers of the Coney Island Ice Cream, which is famous during 1990's

Hurry! What are you waiting for? Go to their facebook page and be a fan!

Runners from the Mc Happy Fun Run last Sunday was very fortunate as the organizers invited the international Youtube sensation Charice Pempengco. I didn't know that she sang one of the theme songs for McDonalds together with Ms. Sharon Cuneta. I forgot the title of that song but the message was nice.

The people was really mesmerized from the voice of this young "diva" as they say that the audience requested for another song. Charice was so kind to grant the request of the crowd and further amazed the crowd with her rendition of the song "Halo" as popularized by Beyonce Knowles. I was fortunate to have my Panasonic LX3 with me during that time and I was able to record her entire performance.

I was really amazed that after I uploaded this video in Youtube, there are lot of positive comments and I have a lot of followers even without advertising it. This young lady really had a large fan base all over the world.

After the performance, the crowd still followed her and she was still kind to accommodate the request of the fans. Here are some of the pictures from the event with Charice.

Procter & Gamble is looking experienced IT professionals (at least 2 years experience) to join their elite group of IDS (Information & Decision Solutions) function. If you want to know more about the career opportunities on this company, I encourage you to attend their 1-day IDS Explore! event on December 19, 2009. Please take note that this is by invitation only so you need to register if you want to be invited. See the details below for more details:

Qualifications:1. Bachelors Degree, Post Graduate Diploma or Professional Degree in Engineering, Information Systems or Computer Science Courses2. At least 2 years work experience in IT, Project Management, Business Analysis or a related field will be an asset3. Must have a strong technical mastery and passion for IT4. SAP Knowledge is a preference but not a requirement.

Bazaars and discounts are everywhere. They are great news for us shoppers during this gift-giving season. I just found this note from JVC Philippines about their upcoming sale on December 11-13, 2009 at the JVC Business Center - 916 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. They will be open from 9AM to 6PM during the sale period.

*Photo courtesy of JVC Phils.

Here are some of the price range of the products on sale from their facebook account. I will try to get as well a map so you can easily go to their place. Happy Shopping!!!

The World Pyro Olympics will be help in our country again but this time this will be in the Fort. I heard that this year will be more exciting because they need to synchronize their fireworks display with a musical piece of their choice. This will be an exciting battle among the competing countries. If you want to have some free tickets for the event, spot.ph have an on-going contest for this. Check details below:

Promo Mechanics

1. Participants must be at least 18 years old and residents of the Philippines

2. Promo will run from November 17 – December 15, 2009 , 11:00am

3. Participants should complete the entry form online by submitting their name, birthday, contact details and answer to the featured question.

4. Two (2) winners will be drawn on the following dates:

Draw Date

Event Date

Competing Country

November 19, 2009; 10:00 am

November 21, 2009

Korea and USA

November 25, 2009; 10:00 am

November 28, 2009

Germany and China

December 2, 2009; 10:00 am

December 5, 2009

Japan and Australia

December 9, 2009; 10:00 am

December 12, 2009

Canada and Italy

December 16, 2009; 10:00 am

December 19, 2009

Philippines (La Mancha Group)

*I think the dates are still tentative given that there was an event postponed due to weather condition. Please check their official website for more updates.

5. Employees of PEP Inc, and Summit Media are discouraged to join this promo

I just read from another blog that there will be a sale of Coleman, Tempur, Silverdot, KitchenAid and Oster products for 1 day only (December 5, 2009).

*Image courtesy of couchwasabi.wordpress.com

Coleman brands are known for their quality coolers, camping gears and outdoor equipment. Tempur on the other hand is a know brand for matresses and pillows. Silverdot is a global brand for bathroom scale and I hope to have their digital bathroom scale with boy fat analyzer (see sample). OsterandKitchen Aid are also known brands on kitchen appliances.

I'm a fan of Mizuno products because their products are of high-quality. I've been running for more than a year now using my Mizuno Wave Rider 10, which I also bought on a discounted rate after participating on their Mizuno Run. I hope I can buy some good stuff this year as I prepare for their Mizuno Run Time Trials and also for our company Futsal competition.

Don't miss out this opportunity this December 4-6 at their BMG Center Branch in Magallanes Makati City. Here's the announcement from their website:

*Photo courtesy of mizuno.ph

Year End Sale 09

Posted: November 23, 2009

With only a few weeks left in the calendar, Mizuno revs up the savings with their Biggest Year-end Sports Sale fromDec.4 to 6, from 10AM to 8PM at the Roofdeck of BMG Centre Bldg, San Antonio St., Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Centre, Magallanes, Makati City

Sports enthusiasts will get to enjoy discounts up to 70% off on top quality products for golf, running, football, indoor, and baseball. For inquiries, call 7573160 loc 515 and look for Marianne Marquez

This is not a new show that will compete with Cesar Montano. It is not as well related to the show of Boy and Kris every Sunday. Want to know more about this new buzz in town? See some details below:

What's the bee all about?

In the Broadway Musical Comedy, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grownups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. This hilarious tale of overachievers' angst chronicles the experience of 6 adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. A quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out & fit in at the same time.

Before every performance, two audience volunteers are recruited to participate on stage as guest-spellers along with two invited celebrity guest spellers each night. Each new foursome guarantees a new set of hilarious and unexpected experiences - one night is just as unique as the one before it!

Want to know the cast?

Joel Trinidad as Doug Panch

Cathy Azanza as Rona Lisa Peretti

Noel Rayos as Mitch Mahoney

Pheona Baranda as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre

Johann Dela Fuente as Leaf Coneybear

Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Olive Ostrovsky

Lorenz Martinez as William Barfee

Felix Rivera as Chip Tolentino

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Marcy Park

How can I buy tickets?

If you want to buy tickets, you can visit their website to reserve your tickets and the instructions on how to pay them. You may also send an email tobest.productions.09@gmail.com or contact Jasmin Beato (0927 6513458) or Charisse San Ramon (0917 9555010). Hurry limited seats available!

So mark December 6 on your calendars already! You must not let this great broadway musical just pass. I heard a lot of great comments about this show and I will watch this next Sunday.

In my 22 birthday celebrations that I had, I just realized that there is something not good that happens during my birthday or days near my birthday. I can still recall when I was a kid, I only celebrate my birthdays at home because there is a typhoon. Amidst these unfortunate incidents, the special people around still make some effort to make it simple yet special.

As my birthday is nearing, I realized to make my 23rd year of existence different and special. I think of possible things to do this year and luckily great news was sent on my email. The email was about a plane fare promo and what makes it better is that the travel period includes my birthday. I realized that this was my time to make things differently so I grab the opportunity and book flights to HK/Macau. I realized it would be even happier to be with the people who were always there on my 23 years of bitter-sweet challenges in life… my family.

Our family never travelled together before in far places to do recreational stuff. I think the farthest we have been was in Bicol as it was the province of my mother. We also never travelled together via plane because we never go out as well frequently. My mom, dad and sister have never been outside of the Philippines, so having this trip also makes them very happy. I am really excited as the day comes nearer to my birthday that I forgot to plan out my entire itinerary.

Our actual departure date from Manila was during my birthday. I am very excited and at the same time nervous as I’ve never been around Hong Kong and most especially Macau. When I’m on business trip, I am just usually in-transit in HK Airport. I always wanted to go outside and know what’s outside but I don’t have a companion to be with. I said to myself that I will just go out when I’m with family. I am very grateful that my dreams are now turning into reality and we arrived HK Airport safely. I spent the entire day in Hong Kong Disneyland as if I am just 7 years of age. We were exhausted after the day but yet we were extremely happy on the turn-out of events in Hong Kong. Our next day in our itinerary will be Macau and I am quite afraid that it cannot meet the Disneyland experience we just had.

The following day we were all set to travel to Macau as many people say that there are beautiful places in that region. It was a bit challenging to travel from HK-Macau using the MTR and Ferry ride. It was almost 7pm when we arrived at Macau. I know my parents are so tired already after the long walk and travel plus the “wavy” ferry ride to Macau. We then decide to go directly to our hotel, which I don’t realized to be quite far away from the city proper. I can now feel that the jinx of unfortunate events is near the vicinity. I was not mistaken as when we arrived at the hotel, my credit card is not being accepted by the receptionist. I am not sure of the cause of it but still I have some dust of luck on my pockets as they allowed us to stay because the room charge was already credited on my credit card when I booked online a week before our arrival. The receptionist though told us that we cannot take something from the mini-bar given that my card is not working. I tried checking the money left on my pocket and I only have 30 HKD and several traveller’s cheque. I thought my problem on money can already be resolved but unfortunately it is not over. The hotel told us that they do not exchange traveller’s cheque and we can only do it over a bank, which is only open until 5pm. I think I am really born with attached misfortune. Since my parents were tired, we just decided to stay on our hotel room but then we were all hungry after the long trip. We cannot eat on the hotel within the hotel as well because of my credit card. I thought I can escape the bad luck that happened on my birthday but it seems not.

*My luggage with the 2 cans of Century Bangus Fillet

Just when I thought that the great trip I prepared is going to its downfall, I just realized how to still make things better. I just remember that as I was packing my luggage, I remember to bring some items from our food cabinet. I bring some food that can easily be eaten and yet light to be inside my luggage. One item that I ensured to on my luggage are 2 cans of Century Bangus Fillet Spanish Style. It was very fortunate for us to have these Century Bangus fillet because it is very handy and light on the luggage. Another thing that I liked on this product is that it has an easy to open lid which is not usually seen on normal canned goods. One would not need a can opener or sharp knife just to taste the goodness of the product as with a little force from your finger, the fillet can be eaten. I also like the Bangus fillet as it only contains 90 kcal and just 6g of fat per serving, which is still good for my mom who has hypertension. Eating every bite of the Century Bangus fillet is like having a taste of heaven on earth. Even if we did not have the money to eat on the hotel restaurant, we still felt that we have eaten on a 5-star dining place with the quality and taste of Bangus fillet and also in Spanish style. I can still remember how we enjoyed that night just eating the Bangus, which we really loved, while talking the fun twist that happened on this travel. We soon realized that the 2 cans are empty to the last drop but yet it filled our empty stomach with prima quality. My dad even exclaimed “Napabuti pa ang nangyari dahil naka-tipid na tayo, nabusog pa tayo sa masarap na pagkain”. The night ended well and we had a long rest on our hotel room watching movie together. The experience that night was truly priceless and I’m still teary eyed as I recall it.

*Pictures of me and my parents in Macau energized after a great dinner the night before

When we woke up the following morning, we felt fully energized and still full from the simple yet great dinner we had the night before. I think Century Bangus fillet brings back luck to our hands as when we checked with the receptionist, my card is already ok. We then go as planned and visit the different scenic spots of Macau. We really enjoyed our trip and still feel very energized to visit other sites. All things went well and we arrived back at Manila safely and with a big smiles at our faces. When we arrived, we can’t stop talking what happened in Macau and we then ensured that we always stock-up with Century Bangus fillet in our cabinet. We usually have “bangus fillet” merienda every week and we never stop loving Century Tuna Bangus fillet.

*Our food cabinet with Century Bangus fillet in stocks reserved for great merienda sessions

My Century Bangus experience does not stop there. After my trip, I also leave a can of this healthy fish fillet on my trolley so whenever I have to stay late, I can still indulge on the chef-made like quality of Bangus. Last time I had such late night dinner at office with Century Bangus fillet, I felt as if I was still with my family in Macau enjoying the experience in our hotel room. The bangus fillet also becomes my breakfast energizer whenever I had run and still keeps me healthy and fit to finish my races. Bangus fillet is the best thing that happened to canned foods.

*Me with my secret weapon in every race - Century Bangus Fillet

I hope my next birthday will be great again and I will make it sure by bringing cans of Century Bangus fillet on my bag. A can of it brings ton of happiness in every home.

I’ve been planning for almost a month already to start a new hobby. I want something that can help improve myself and at the same time make use of my expertise. I must admit I have difficulty expressing myself in written communication but I’m quite good in computer related stuff. I then realized, why not start a BLOG.

I’m very certain already to start a blog but the next dilemma is what will be the focus. I cannot really think of specific focus since I have different kinds of interests. I like sports (running, badminton, frisbee, futsal, tennis, etc.), gadgets, software, food (yum yum), freebies, photography, movies and a lot more. Since I don’t want to be limited to a certain topic, I decided to have a blog on anything under the sun. I want something to blog about anything that will interest me at a certain point in time. I want my blog to cater to a large user groups and something that will really reflect my personality.

I named my blog kahitanoito since this is a blog about anything. The term “kahit ano” is also a very common response among Filipinos who are fickle or indecisive. You might observe that when you ask a Filipino on what food to order, most likely he will reply to you with “kahit ano”. Just like my blog, it is something that can discuss about any topic that is close to the hearts of Filipinos.

I hope you will enjoy my blog entries and feel free to let me know how I can improve it. I’m a newbie blogger around and would definitely love to hear some helpful pieces of advice from the experts. Hope to be part of the blogger’s events in the near future.

About

A proudly Filipino blog that SHARES posts which creates positive INFLUENCE and IMPROVE the life of any individual from all walks of life
For blog post/ invite, please contact me via email at kahitanoito@gmail.com